- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
Dover to Calais is the shortest sea crossing between the UK and mainland Europe. Over 8 million passengers traverse this route each year! It’s the top choice for roadtrippers interested in exploring France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and more. The ferry ride from Dover to Calais is available all year long, and operates 7 days a week. The total trip lasts approximately 1h and 34min from port to port.
Ticket prices range from €30.00 to €300.00 depending on the operator and whether or not you’d like to bring a car. Expect about 480 weekly crossings in summer, and around 340 the rest of the year. Ready to explore France? Use our handy search engine to find the best price and time for your trip to Calais.
Ferries and trains from Dover to Calais
The Dover to Calais route is operated by DFDS, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, LeShuttle. See the crossings for next week below.
Fast facts for Dover and Folkestone to Calais trips
Here’s some extra info on the ferry schedule for Dover to Calais and the train schedule for the Folkestone to Calais shuttle.
Can I take a ferry from Dover to Calais, France?
You sure can! There are several ferry operators who connect Dover, UK, to Calais, France. DFDS, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, LeShuttle all offer daily schedules for you to choose from. The duration of the trip is around the same for each vessel: 1h 34min. You can also take a train to Calais from nearby Folkestone in just 35! Learn more about the train on our dedicated Folkestone to Calais page.
Dover to Calais may be the fastest option, but there are several other popular ferry routes from the UK to France to consider:
- From Jersey to St. Malo
- From Plymouth to St. Malo
- From New Haven to Dieppe
- From Folkestone to Calais (by train!)
You can view all the available options on our UK to France blog post.
How long is the ferry from Dover to Calais?
The port to port ferry ride from Dover to Calais lasts approximately 1h 34min. The two destinations are actually only 25.36 nautical miles, or 46.99 km apart from each other! Of course, travel times can vary depending on weather conditions, and you should also add 1h to your travel time when planning to consider boarding and disembarking. If you’d *prefer to take a train,* the nearby LeShuttle route from Folkestone will have you in Calais in only 35.
Booking Tip: While booking your ferry to Calais with Ferryscanner, keep an eye out for the recommended sticker. Our algorithm highlights the most direct routes, best travel times, and seat availability to help you choose faster.
What’s the fastest ferry from Dover to Calais?
All of them! The average time doesn’t vary between ferry providers, as each of them are designed for big crowds and lots of vehicles. That means you’ll be there fast – in around 1h and 34min – no matter which ferry company you prefer.
Is a day trip from Dover to Calais possible?
Yes! A day trip from Dover in the UK to Calais in France is totally possible. Check the first and last ferry from Calais to Dover for detailed schedules, and scroll down this page for a detailed day trip guide to Calais. LeShuttle trains also run from nearby Folkestone to Calais 24 hours a day.
Are there any night ferries from Dover to Calais, France?
Yes, night ferries operate from Dover to Calais. The latest ferry departs from Dover at 23:55. Please note however that our ferry partners don’t offer cabins for this route, because it’s such a quick crossing.
This summary for the Dover (All Ports) to Calais in France route is based on recent data and is updated regularly. However, schedules may vary depending on seasonal changes, ferry companies, and availability. For the most accurate and detailed ferry timetable, including routes, stops, and pricing, please check out our ferry search and booking system.
Return trips from Calais
Here you can browse options for returning ferries and trains from Calais to wherever you began your journey.
Ferry prices and discounts from Dover to Calais
Ferry ticket prices from Dover, United Kingdom to Calais, France range from €30.00 to €300.00 for foot passengers and ~€138.00 for vehicles. Add ons like premium seating cost extra. It’s always a good idea to book early for the best rates, as prices may rise closer to departure.
Offers
Special offers are often available for this route. Dover to Calais discounts can include early booking deals, promotional fares, or special rates for children (currently offered by P&O and DFDS). To stay informed, you can follow Ferryscanner on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or check our blog. Any valid offers are automatically applied during the booking process, ensuring you get the best price for your trip!
Ferry and train timetables from Dover to Calais
Boarding your ferry to France
Please arrive at the Port of Dover 1 hour before and no earlier than 2 hours before your ferry’s departure. The check-in area is at Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA. From London, take the M20 into the A20 and follow it straight to the Eastern Docks roundabout. From Canterbury, take the M2 onto the A2 and follow signs to the same point.
Inside the terminal, staff will direct you through check-in and onto the ferry. The crossing to Calais runs about 90 minutes. You may leave your vehicle, but stay close so you’re ready to unload!
Remember to bring your UK identifier, V5C, and insurance certificate. Rental or leased cars need a VE103.
A note for your return: As of late 2025, non-EU travelers should expect the EU’s upgraded entry/exit checks — photos and fingerprints. It’s a quick process, but mandatory. Check the latest guidance before you go, or read through our EES blog for more information.
For accessibility needs or adapted vehicles, notify our Customer Support team during booking so support is arranged in advance.
Other travel options from Dover, United Kingdom to Calais, France
Traveling from Dover to Calais, France by Eurotunnel is another great option worth considering. LeShuttle offers a fast and convenient way to cross the Channel in your own vehicle. The journey typically takes around 35 minutes, with fares starting from €130.00 — subject to vehicle type and how far in advance you book. Visit our search and booking system to explore the latest LeShuttle departure times and ticket prices.
Foot passengers from Dover to Calais
You can board P&O Ferries vessels from Dover to Calais, France on your own two feet. Otherwise, the following ferries always require a vehicle:
- OSCAR WILDE - Irish Ferries, departing from Dover
We recommend you aim to arrive by foot at the departure gate no later than 30 minutes before departure. For added convenience and peace of mind, we offer Flexi Cancellation and SMS Notification Packages, which you can add to your reservation when booking. Please note that foot passengers are not permitted on LeShuttle trains; a vehicle is required to board.
Can I take a car on the ferry from Dover to Calais?
All ferries operating between Dover, UK and Calais, France allow vehicles, including vans, buses, and RV’s. Bring your vehicle aboard:
- ISLE OF INISHMORE- Irish Ferries, departing from Dover
- P&O LIBERTé- P&O Ferries, departing from Dover
- P&O PIONEER- P&O Ferries, departing from Dover
- CALAIS ALL SHIPS- DFDS, departing from Dover
- SPIRIT OF FRANCE- P&O Ferries, departing from Dover
- OSCAR WILDE - Irish Ferries, departing from Dover
- LESHUTTLE - EUROTUNNEL- LeShuttle, departing from Folkestone
You can also tow a second vehicle. To do so, mark it properly during the booking process, and ensure proper lashing before departure. French law requires there to be a driver in the towed vehicle.
Dover to Calais with a Motorcycle
You can bring your motorcycle from Dover to Calais aboard ISLE OF INISHMORE, P&O LIBERTé, P&O PIONEER, CALAIS ALL SHIPS, SPIRIT OF FRANCE, OSCAR WILDE , LESHUTTLE - EUROTUNNEL. Simply add it as a vehicle while booking. You can even save it in your dashboard for future trips on our website and app!
Dover to Calais with a Bicycle
You can bring your bicycle from Dover to Calais with ISLE OF INISHMORE, P&O LIBERTé, P&O PIONEER, CALAIS ALL SHIPS, SPIRIT OF FRANCE, OSCAR WILDE , LESHUTTLE - EUROTUNNEL. The bike must be properly mounted to a vehicle, and the correct dimensions must be declared during booking. P&O also accepts cyclists travelling without a car — you can book as a foot passenger with a bike and board separately.
Bicycles are allowed on LeShuttle and are transported on a dedicated minibus through the Channel. Fees apply and are shown during booking.
Luggage
Luggage regulations on ferries from Dover to Calais are much more relaxed than airlines. If you’re traveling with your car, Irish Ferries, P&O and DFDS will each let you take whatever fits safely in the vehicle. Foot passengers with P&O are instructed to not take more than they can easily carry.
- Oscar Wilde: Up to 22kg per passenger.
- : Up to 50kg per passenger.
- : Up to 0kg per passenger.
Be sure to clearly label your luggage and store it in the area indicated by the crew. Oversized or extra items may come with a fee. You can always check with our Customer Support team, or visit the ferry companies’ dedicated pages on our site.
Cabins
Cabins are not currently available on the ferries from Dover to Calais, France, due to the short duration of the trip. There are, however, plenty of comfortable seating options on each of the vessels.
Are cabins available to book from Dover to Calais?
Even though cabins aren’t available, you can still have some rest on the ferry from Dover to Calais, you can select the premium seating class in all 3 of our providers during the booking process. These sections tend to be much quieter, and the seats are larger so you can stretch your legs.
Pets
You can bring your pet on all ferries from Dover to Calais. P&O and Irish Ferries even have special lounges for them! Here’s some important info for em(barking) with your pets:
- Pets on DFDS ferries require a separate ticket to travel.
- Pets larger than 10 kg will go in the onboard kennel, or in the ferry’s designated lounge. Smaller pets can stay with you in a carrier. Service dogs are exempt from kennel requirements.
- Ensure you travel with your pet’s health and ID documents. When you book with us, you can save this info on your profile.
**Pets are also welcome on LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) trains.** Learn more about taking your pet on the [shuttle from Folkestone on this page.](https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry-routes/train-folkestone-calais)
Dover to Calais: Tips for Europe’s most popular ferry crossing
The Dover to Calais ferry ride is fast, steady, and extremely convenient. Weather permitting, the crossing is super smooth—more like a short bus trip than an ocean voyage. On a clear day, you can even see the beautiful White Cliffs of Dover!
Onboard, you’ll find many comforts: cafés, lounges, quiet corners, and open decks for clean air and calming views.
This is a practical crossing, and Calais is a gateway: drive 30 minutes and you’re on the A16 toward Dunkirk or Belgium; head south and you’re on the A26 to Reims, Champagne country, or deeper into France.
Many day-trippers come for the tax-free shopping warehouses around Calais: cheap wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate, and the usual bulk buys. The savings can justify the whole journey, especially for families stocking up.
Remember that France runs on Type E plug sockets, so pack an adaptor.
If you bring your vehicle, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road once in France.
And, of course, keep some euros in your pocket: tolls, cafés, and small shops still prefer cash.
Visit our blog for more tips and ideas to make the most of your trip to Calais, France.
Accessing the Dover ferry port
The Dover Ferry Port is located just over a mile from the Dover city center, and approximately 70 miles from London Gatwick Airport. Here’s the Dover port on Google Maps.
You can reach the port by car via the A20 or M20 motorways. (The M20 merges into the A20 at Folkestone. From there, you’ll continue until you reach the Eastern Docks roundabout, where you’ll take the first left into the terminal.) Taxis are readily available and typically take around 5-10 minutes from the city center.
You can also take the Southeastern Train from London St. Pancras to Dover Priory Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes), then catch the local bus (Stagecoach Bus #80) to the ferry terminal.
In Calais, France, the ferry terminal is located at Port de Calais, near the city center and easily accessible via local buses and taxis. Remember, transportation options may change, so check current schedules before your trip!
Roadtrip from Calais to the French Alps …
Calais is your gateway to all the wonders of continental Europe. One of the most popular routes passengers take from the port is driving from Calais to the French Alps. You can do the trip in one 8-9 hour go, but we recommend splitting it into two nights to stop in some of France’s beautiful towns.
- Day one: Drive ~6 hours from Calais to Burgundy and spend the evening in Beaune. Enjoy its Medieval center, amazing restaurants and world-class wineries.
- Day two: Continue on for the 3-4 remaining hours to the Alps, perhaps stopping in Annecy to take a peek at one of its turquoise Alpine Lakes.
Other popular road trips that start from the Calais Ferry Port:
- Plenty of roadtrippers also drive from Calais to Paris, either as a final stop or a quick break. It’s a 4.5 hour straight shot from the port.
- Another popular option is to head east into Belgium. It’s only ~2 hours to Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels from the Calais port.
- Feeling thirsty? Calais to the Champagne region of France is only a 2.5 hour drive. Cheers.
One last thing – don’t forget to drive on the right side of the road!
Compare prices and book 6,000 routes from 350+ ferry companies to 900+ destinations.
Best Price Guarantee: Find a cheaper price within 48 hours, and we'll refund the difference.
Free cancellations for most routes with specific policies always shown during the booking process.
Quick Support: Our team replies via chat within 40 seconds, 5 days a week.
Cleaner Seas: Support cleaner seas through Enaleia with every ticket you book.Ferries and car train from Dover to Calais
Explore the vessels and shuttles operating between Dover and Folkestone in the UK and Calais, France.
ISLE OF INISHMORE Irish Ferries
OSCAR WILDE Irish Ferries
SPIRIT OF FRANCE P&O Ferries
CALAIS ALL SHIPS DFDS
P&O PIONEER P&O Ferries
P&O LIBERTé P&O Ferries